Northbridge pub might have breached Anzac law
Northbridge watering hole the Brass Monkey is in trouble.
The Perth watering hole has been accused of breaching the laws protecting the use of the word Anzac.
The problem comes down to the Brass Monkey inviting people to mark Anzac Day with a special GI Jane event.
The event was aimed at “celebrating sisters that serve” by offering prizes for people who dressed up in line with that theme.
This potentially puts the hotel in breach of the 1921 Act governing use of the word, Anzac.
That law specifically bans the word being used for anything that relates to entertainment.
The Act spells it out very clearly. “No person may use the word ‘Anzac’, or any word resembling it, in connection with any trade, business, calling or profession or in connection with any entertainment,” it says.
The penalty: a possible year in jail, individual fines of up to $10,200 and the company being fined $51,000.
Federal Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan said the word Anzac had a special significance for Australians. The word’s use had to protected.
“Having a beer with your mates and playing two-up are part of the Anzac Day tradition, but the word Anzac should not be used to promote parties,” Mr Tehan told The West Australian.
“Anzac Day is about commemorating the service and sacrifice of the men and women who serve in defence of our nation and the word ‘Anzac’ should be respected accordingly.”
It’s not the first time the pub landed in hot water. Last year, it had to come out with a public apology after it promoted a New Year’s Eve “frat party” by running sexually suggestive banners.
And the Brass Monkey is not the only place now under investigation for breaching the Anzac law.
In Sydney, authorities are checking the venues along Oxford Street that ran advertisements promoting events that feature scantily clad models in military clothing.
by Leon Gettler, April 26th 2017
